Pakistan Cricket Team is always known for its unpredictability, They can defeat and can be defeated by any team on a given day in any conditions. Pakistan are known to perform their best when the odds are stacked against them. They have the potential to come good but couldn’t convert them in the form of performances.
WTC 2021-23 was a similar case Pakistan started its journey so well, remaining in the top 2 of the table for most of the time but failed to deliver against England and New Zealand at their home to end their campaign in 7th place. And the road doesn’t look easy for Pakistan this time around.
A Strong start
Pakistan kicked off their WTC 2023-25 campaign with an impressive away series against Sri Lanka, securing a 2-0 victory in the two Tests. This early success provided the team with valuable points and set a positive tone for the challenges that lie ahead. The triumph in Sri Lanka not only added crucial points to Pakistan’s tally but also boosted the team’s confidence as they look forward to tougher contests.
New Captain and New Difficulties Ahead
Just after the ODI WC Babar Azam announced his decision to step back from Captaincy leaving uncertainty around the next Skipper for the Pakistan team. Babar got lashed out during the WC as Pakistan failed miserably in the tournament and his performance with the bat was not up to the mark either. Shan Masood was given the job to lead the team against Australia in their own backyard.
The true test of Pakistan’s mettle came as they faced Australia in the challenging away series. They performed horribly and currently trail 2-0 in the three-match test series. Overcoming the formidable Australian side in their backyard is a monumental task, but Pak could have performed better in the field. They were poor in the field with catch drops and misfields. With the final Test scheduled to commence on January 3, 2024, in Perth, it presents Pakistan with an opportunity to showcase resilience and turn the series around, collecting vital points in the process.
Pakistan’s upcoming tours and series
Pakistan would to end the away tour with a win in Sydney, as they have a long year ahead with most of the matches at their home. They will host West Indies for a 2-match test series in February-March 2024 and will play Bangladesh in the second half of 2024 at their home.
But the big test will be hosting England for a three-game series in October 2024. England humiliated Pakistan in the previous WTC Cycle defeating them 3-0 that too in Pakistan’s home conditions. Pakistan will be looking for a turnaround and do things right this time. Pakistan will end this WTC Cycle with a tour of South Africa for a two-match Test series scheduled to occur in December 2024 and January 2025.
Challenges ahead
Pakistan have a stern challenge ahead of them. They need their key players to perform well and step up in crucial situations. They need to stick with players instead of chopping and changing and back them to deliver for the team instead of bashing them for a single failure.
Pakistan should look to improve their performances after every game instead of the blame game inside the team and should not end up giving silly excuses and justifications. They have a good team and if they can work on their fielding and play better cricket they might end up changing their fortunes in this WTC Cycle.